{% include "includes/auth/janrain/signIn_traditional.html" with message='It looks like you are already verified. If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.' %}

breaking news

WinterFolk Festival a top pick for weekend music

This week has been very hard for me, as most of you know. The Dayton music community lost one of its dearest treasures, Norman Dimitrouleas, and we’ve been mourning and celebrating since last Saturday. Who I really feel bad for is all the people who didn’t experience Norman, simply because they don’t go to see live music, or they don’t think it’s their scene. Yes, Norman was technically part of the “jam band” scene, but he loved and supported a variety of musical styles, and I feel sorry for people who don’t have that kind of open-mindedness when it comes to music.

A lot of us categorize or contain ourselves to certain scenes, and by doing so, we miss out on so much. One of my favorite things to do is explore new music. Locally, I love everything from The New Old Fashioned to Nightbeast. Let’s please make a promise to ourselves to get out of our comfort zone once in awhile, and really embrace all that our entire music scene has to offer. Amazing things can happen when we do.

I’m dabbing my eyes and moving forward. I’m going to do that by seeing more live music, so please join me!

Friday, January 15th

Two of my favorite bands, Subterranean and ekoostik hookah are performing south of town, at Middletown’s Old Crow Bar. What a fantastic show this is going to be! Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. $15 at the door. 18+

Lots of folks are looking forward to Columbus-area rockers The Devil Doves, who are performing at the Trolley Stop. This drum kit-less three piece is truly unique. Please check them out if you are out and about! Music at 9:30 p.m.

For those wanting to really rock, you can head down to Blind Bob’s for local heavy hitters Others by No One, Ledges, and Spvrt. Doors 9 p.m. Cover $5.

Blues man Doug Hart is doing what he does best over at The Oregon Express. Always a fun place to be, and the Blues might be just what fits the bill for me this evening.

Saturday, January 16th

The big event Saturday is the WinterFolk Festival at the Yellow Cab Tavern, located downtown, two blocks north of the Dublin Pub. This year’s event doubles as a fundraiser for improvements at The Yellow Cab building, which has generously hosted events for artists and organizations for years now.

The Yellow Cab team has excelled in creating events that combine visual arts and music, something I particularly enjoy. This event features four visual artists, whose work will be on display.

Anyone who enjoys Americana, folk or bluegrass — do not miss this event! As I stated earlier, even if that the type of music you think you’d like, I’d encourage you to check it out all the same. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy!

Doors 7 p.m. Music 8 p.m. Tickets available at the door for $10. Children under 12 are free. Food trucks and spirits will be available.

Down the street, Trolley Stop is hosting local lucha rockers Team Void. Donning masks and wailing on their guitars, this is not a show for the faint of heart. Hard rock and metal fans will be grinding it out. Enjoy! 9 p.m. $5 cover.

Another solid rock line up at Blind Bob’s, this time featuring SKRT, Comprador and Babbling April. A mix of hard rock, indie pop and everything in-between. (Oh, and say hi to Dayton.com writer Vivienne Machi, who’s in Babbling April!) 9 p.m. $5 cover.

Gilly’s is hosting R&B star Christopher Williams, who has a very long career starting in 1987. He even appeared in the movie New Jack City. He’s touring with a new album, and making a stop in here in Dayton. His performance times are at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance (available at Omega Music in the Oregon District), $25 at the door. For more information click here.

For those of you who are classical music lovers, or want to experience it one of the funnest ways possible, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s Pixar in Concert. Featuring music from beloved classics such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc, WALL-E and more, it’s a perfect event for the child inside all of us. For young professionals in the area there is a special way to see this at a discounted rate. Dayton Encore and UpDayton are doing a combined meet up before the show. For details on this event click here. Regular tickets start at $23 with additional discounts available. For that ticket information click here.

As always, thank you for supporting the live music scene in Dayton.

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee

Note to Readers: The information above is for Jan 15th & 16th. If I don’t list a price, it’s because I’m not sure what the price is. Generally cover charges for local shows are $5. Please click the hyperlinks to find out more about the bands, venues and events, including start times, directions, and ticket availability. As you can see, I try to promote as many shows as possible, but there will be some I miss. Keep me in the loop: @LibbyBallengee. Check out the latest shows I’m promoting @theVenusChild. You can also keep up with my adventures on Instagram here.